Is Direct Drive Really Better?

Phd- That's a very old story and it is not supported by rumble figures as far as I know. I've read that the resonant frequency of the drive motor and bearing in a good DD is like 5 Hz or something. It's supposed to be too low for the cartridge to pick up. I also remember a tale about ID tables developing a flat spot in the rubber idler wheel if left idle and engaged for too long. I think that last one was started by the tooth fairy.

Ok I'll rewind. A few years ago I owned a direct drive turntable, couldn't get much volume due to rumble, I thought the speakers were going to come unglued. Switched to a belt drive turntable & life was much better. Maybe more current direct drive designs have improved.

Phd- Isolation has improved as we have become more aware of it. Your direct drive experience might have been due to feedback. Or it could have been an inexpensive direct drive. Several posters have noted that cheapo DD tables tarnished the rep of the genre back in the day.

Another thing, one only has to look at the specs between a belt drive & direct drive to see a clear improvement in wow & flutter specs. I would think that when the platter is part of the motor which is the case in direct drive, this would be the kiss of death.

My SP-10MKIII is as quiet or quieter than anything I've heard and I've heard a lot. Phd have you read this thread from the beginning?